Date:
May 16, 2021
To all
the Saints of God,
Grace and peace be unto all the Saints of God around the World. As
this Coronavirus Pandemic continues, we are continually reminding the
Saints of God that we are obeying the magistrates and following the
guideline of the health and governmental authorities for the safety of
all people.
Health authorities and
governmental officials continue to encourage people to wear face
coverings during public gathering and use social distancing, wash your
hands, and get tested to help stop the spread of the Covid-19 virus. For
those who have been fully vaccinated, mask may not be required in some
places. We are continuing to observe all safety precautions for the
sake of the Children below 12 years old and the unvaccinated.
· As
of May 12, 2021, the City of Atlanta, Georgia remains in Phase 2 of
the Reopening Plan due to the infection rate of the coronavirus.
· Social
distancing is recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to
control the spread or for individual safety.
We are continuing online and limited in-person services through Zoom,
Facebook, and YouTube to maintain safety protocols. In-Person
Baptism and prayer service are available using social distancing and
personal protective equipment.
As
we obey the Magistrates, we have complete faith that God will continue
to hear our prayers and provide a way for us through these uncertain
times.
Romans
13:2-4 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is
no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
TITUS
3:1-2 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to
obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no
man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
This
week’s encouraging words of growth focuses on:
The Meaning of Judgement (part 2)
By
Apostle Dennis G. Smith
Judge not means …… to be longsuffering, be
patient, show restraint, compassion, and be merciful. It means
to have mercy and not condemn a person who is sorry for their sins and
wrongdoing, who have a repentant heart. It means we must focus
on the fact that God is giving all people a chance for salvation.
It does not mean to condone, approve, or to justify their sinful
ways. We judge not a person who is seeking salvation, we have mercy on
a person who has a sorrowful repentant heart, and we condemn not any
person who is seeking salvation because we have all sinned and fallen
short of the Glory of God. We judge not because we will all be
judged by our own verdict or our own conclusion about others or upon
others who are striving to overcome their sinful ways.
…. Look at yourself, the person in the Mirror!!
Matthew 7:1 - 5 Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what
judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete,
it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote
that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in
thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out
the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then
shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.
When
we show mercy to others, mercy will be shown or given to us, and when
we give to others, we will receive blessings of giving returned to
ourselves even when we give to others and expect nothing in return.
So, then we are measured by the way we measure other people, or we are
treated by the way we treat other people, and we reap from others what
we have sown.
Luke 6:37 - 38 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and
ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Give,
and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken
together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with
the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you
again.
We can understand from the previous scriptures is that when we
judge, we look upon ourselves knowing that we also have sinned and
fallen short of righteous conduct and are merciful to those who are
repentant, who are seeking to overcome their sinful ways, because we
consider our own condition.
But we do judge actions, just like we can judge the change of the
seasons, the coming of rain from the clouds in the sky. We can judge
what is right because we have discernment and can determine things to
be true or false, right, or wrong, by our knowledge of the truth and
by what is happening around us.
Luke 12:54 - 59 And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud
rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and
so it is. And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be
heat; and it cometh to pass. Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face
of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this
time? Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?
When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in
the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest
he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer,
and the officer cast thee into prison. I tell thee, thou shalt not
depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.
So, we can see the work of the Flesh and the Fruit of the
Spirit. Those that follow the work of the flesh shall not inherit the
Kingdom of God. This is judgement based on the knowing what is right
and what is wrong. We have knowledge of what leads to eternal life
with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and knowledge of what leads to
eternal damnation in the lake of fire. We know that all people who
belong to Christ will not follow or live by the lust of the flesh but
will live by the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, longsuffering,
restraint, mercy, Etc.
Galatians 5:19 - 24 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are
these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry,
witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions,
heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like:
of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past,
that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of
the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness,
faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the
affections and lusts.
We do not judge concerning the stance of men with God, only
their faithfulness to the stewardship given them. The intent of the
heart God will judge. Are they working in pretense for the purpose of
gaining fame and recognition from a audience of men? Are they seeking
a following of crowds of people for themselves? Apostle Paul in Acts
20th Chapter warned the Church with tears that these types of people
would be among the Saints of God. But in matters of stance before God
we judge nothing before the time.
1Corinthians 4:1 - 6 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers
of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is
required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is
a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s
judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by
myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the
Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come,
who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will
make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man
have praise of God.
We do not judge in respect of holy days or holidays because we
are fully aware that many different nations celebrate different
holidays for various reasons. We warn people to learn not of the ways
of the heathen, the unbeliever, because
their customs are vain, useless, and sometimes very sinful. Any day
observed as
a special day, is
just another day that God has made, and we should all rejoice and be
glad in it, but we should never participate in sinful conduct or the
promotion of sinful ways during
any celebration no matter what day it is or what day a person
considers to be special.
Colossians 2:16 - 17 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in
drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the
sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is
of Christ.
A person is known to us by their own actions and conduct. Just
as a tree is known by its fruit. We call the tree an apple tree
because it produces apples. We called the man a thief because he
continues to steal, a murderer because he kills innocent people, a
liar because they continue to utter lies, a fornicator because they
engage in many forms of sensual contact that are abomination and
sinful before God Almighty. All people that continue to practice
unrepentant sinful conduct while claiming to be righteous are false
based on their own actions.
Matthew 7:15 - 23 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in
sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall
know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of
thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a
corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring
forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast
into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not
everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom
of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied
in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name
done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I
never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
We judge them that are within. We never keep company with
so-called Brothers and Sisters in the Church who condone or justify
sinful conduct. As long as a Brother or Sister continue to confess
and repent of their sinful ways, then we are merciful to pray for
their forgiveness. But if anyone walking among the Saints of God
proclaim that it is okay to practice sinful ways, we reject the person
and their teachings or their proclamations and never take part in the
unfruitful works of darkness but renounce their evil ways. We know
that when we are among people who are unbelievers in the world who
have rejected God Almighty, we live peaceably among them whenever
possible knowing that they are lost sinners. We must also know that
we will have to reach out to the lost people of the world in order to
persuade men about salvation.
1Corinthians 5:9 – 13 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company
with fornicators: Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this
world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for
then must ye needs go out of the world. But now I have written unto
you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a
fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard,
or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. For what have I to
do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are
within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore, put away
from among yourselves that wicked person.
The four beatitudes also known as the four blessings or good
happenings of the Bible are brought about when a person can face the
troubles of life with joy, confidence, and faith in the promises of
God.
Luke 6:20 - 23 And he lifted up his
eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the
kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be
filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. Blessed are
ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from
their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil,
for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy:
for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner
did their fathers unto the prophets.
And the four woes or Bad happening of the Bible are brought about
by a person establishing their life based on materialism or the desire
for excessive possession to reach a status of recognition among both
worldly and religious people. It is not uncommon for people to speak
well of falseness that is pleasing to their own desires.
Luke 6:24 - 26 But woe unto you that
are rich! for ye have received your consolation. Woe unto you that
are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye
shall mourn and weep. Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of
you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.
The natural desire for
retaliation or vengeance to harm a person in return who has caused us
harm. The natural desire to take matters into our own hand when
seeking to obtain justice is an element that we have to learn to
handle through the justice system given by God Almighty. The Lord
Jesus is not condemning the punishment of evil doers, but teaching us
how to handle
criminal actions,
harmful acts through his justice system and not through personal
revenge and retribution which usually promotes further conflict. Some
see this as nonviolent teaching, but we see this as the righteous
process of justice and reconciliation through magistrates of the civil
courts for justice, welfare, and safety of all people.
Matthew 5:38 - 41 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an
eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not
evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him
the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take
away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. And whosoever shall
compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
To be able to live peaceably with all men, we must Love our
enemies!!
Luke 6:27 - 30 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do
good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for
them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on
the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke
forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of
thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.
One of the central teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
is his emphasis on the fact that loving people who love you is nothing
special because this is common among all people even worldly and evil
people. He instead teaches and commands us to love those who hate
us, and to be merciful doing unto other as we will have them do unto
us, treat others the way we would like for them to treat us. This is
generally called the Golden
Rule!
Luke 6:31 – 35 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also
to them likewise. For if ye love them which love you, what thank have
ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to
them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do
even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive,
what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as
much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping
for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the
children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the
evil.
A person must have
the ability to see the Kingdom of God before they can live a life that
is truly inspired by goodness. This is obtained by the New Birth in
receiving the Holy Ghost and studying the bible to show yourself
approved. We have to learn the way of salvation before we can lead
others. Some people will try to lead people base of their own
opinions accepting what is the majority agreement. Sadly, what most
people agree on may not be the words and the commandments of God
Almighty. And when people follow popular thought that is blind
according to the word of God, they make people the children of hell.
People must be taught and learn to follow the Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ. This one of the reasons we must continue to assemble
together, attend Church services that promote growth and
understanding, not showmanship and entertainment.
Luke 6:39 - 40 And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead
the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch? The disciple is
not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his
master.
We should carefully guide those who have a weak conscience and
spare them. We must recognize that some people are weak in faith,
stumble at false doctrines about food, drink, dress codes, cosmetics,
holidays, etc. We should not use Christian freedom to harm, but
rather to help the weak. Though all things are lawful, all things are
not expedient or useful for growth and unity in the Body of Christ.
Romans 14:1 - 7 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to
doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things:
another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise
him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that
eateth: for God hath received him. Who art thou that judgest another
man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall
be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. One man esteemeth
one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every
man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day,
regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the
Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he
giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not,
and giveth God thanks. For none of us liveth to himself, and no man
dieth to himself.
When we make decisions and judgments based on the knowledge given
by the word of God then and only then will we have full understanding
of what judgement means. And when we have full understanding of the
precepts of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ then we are confident and
will not be persuaded, and tossed about on every wind of false
teaching promoted by those teaching error, some of whom are simply
desiring vain glory….
May the Lord Bless you and Keep you and eternally hold you in the
center of his will, may he open your understanding that you will come
to know that you must repent of your sins and be baptized by immersion
in water in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins,
then continue in prayer, tarrying until you receive the gift of the
Holy Ghost with the sign following speaking with other tongues as the
spirit gives you utterances. Then you must leave the principles of
the doctrine and go on to perfection overcoming the love of the world,
the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life and
continue steadfastly in the Apostle’s Doctrine remembering always that
he that endures until the End, the same shall be saved. In the name
of the Lord Jesus Christ who is God Almighty. Amen
With
perfect love,
Apostle Dennis G. Smith
The
online service Zoom link is sent out each Sunday at or before 2:00 pm
to the Saints registered email addresses. We start the service after
2:00 pm.
You
are invited to attend and be a part of the Ministers of Jesus Christ
Church Services on Zoom at/or about 2:00pm. Which are also published
on Facebook through Holy Tabernacle, Ministers of Jesus Christ
Apostolic Church, and Ministers of Jesus Christ Church or Dennis Smith
Facebook time line. You will need to down load the zoom app to
your cell phone, laptop computer, or tablet to activate your
connection. Go to Google Play Store to get your free zoom app and
install it on your cell phone, laptop computer or tablet. When you
see the zoom link sent to your email address, click or tap on the link
and to open the connection. Then click or tap on the camera and
microphone icon to join the service and select internet. We look
forward to seeing you and worshipping with you in the Lord! You may
also give freewill offerings through Givelify, Cash App, Visa, Master
Card, American Express Credit and Bank cards or PayPal. Use cash app
link name ($MinistersofJesus935).
Currently the following groups are eligible for COVID vaccine in
Georgia:
·
Everyone
age 12 and older. Note:
Pfizer is the only COVID vaccine currently approved for children aged
12 and older. People younger than 18 years of age are not authorized
to receive either the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines.
Present Guidelines for Individuals and Businesses in Phase 2:
· Stay
home except for essential trips.
· Wear
face coverings in public.
· Frequent
hand washing.
· Social
distancing of 6 feet recommended where practical according to CDC
Guidance.
· To-go
and delivery orders from restaurants.
· Continue
practicing teleworking.
· Frequent
cleaning of public and high touch areas
Social Distancing guidelines:
·
Social
distancing means staying away from close contact in public spaces. It
includes actions like staying out of places where lots of people
gather and maintaining distance — approximately 6 feet — from others.
·
Social
distancing also includes minimizing contact with people by avoiding
public transportation when possible, limiting nonessential travel,
working from home, and skipping social gatherings.
·
All
people should practice social distancing — not just those who are
seriously ill or at high risk.
·
Social
distancing is a proven way to slow the spread of pandemics.
When
to Wear a Mask:
Those
who are staying home and have no close contact with people who are
infected with COIVID-19 do not need a mask most of the time. However,
wearing a nonmedical or homemade mask may be helpful in certain
situations or for certain populations. Wear a Mask when:
· Shopping
at essential businesses, like grocery stores or pharmacies.
·
While
visiting your health care provider.
·
Traveling
on public transportation.
·
Interacting
with customers/clients at essential businesses.
·
When
feeling sick, coughing, or sneezing.
·
In
all public spaces indoors and outdoors.
Because
homemade masks protect everyone else from the droplets created by the
wearer, it is important that as many people as possible wear these
masks when leaving their homes. This helps prevent those who may be
infectious but are only mildly symptomatic or not symptomatic from
spreading the virus to others in the community.
Everyone should remember the phrase: “My mask protects you; your mask
protects me.” By increasing the overall number of people who are
containing their coughs, sneezes, and other droplets, it will help us
control the overall spread of the virus.
